Tamper-proof closure for spray cans



May 26, 1970 J. w. MADEIRA ETAL 3,514,011

TAMPER-PROOF CLOSURE FOR SPRAY CANS Filed Feb. 6, 1969 2 Sheets-Sheet l FIG. 2

INVENTORS. JOHN w. MADEIRA,

BY a Ross FOX a FIG. 3 RRY M. ALBRIGHT ATTORNEYS y 1970 J. w. MADEIRA ETAL 3,514,011

TAMPER-PROOF CLOSURE FOR SPRAY CANS I INVENTORS. I u 2 l4 JOHN w. MADEIRA, 4s 1 E. ROSS FOX a 26 I I8 62 BY LARRY M. ALBRIGHT 30 24 e4 40 WZMM ATTORNEYS United States Patent U.S. Cl. 220-60 9 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Disclosed is a tamper-proof closure for enclosing and sealing the valve structure of a spray can. The closure is adapted to be held in position on the can by engagement of an external circumferential snap-in flange of the closure with an annular wall of the can and valve assembly. The closure comprises a tubular skirt section having an external circumferential snap-in flange formed at its lower edge. -A coaxial tubular valve covering body section is interconnected with the skirt section by a radial shoulder. A tool access opening is defined in the skirt section to receive a suitable tool. A retaining wall extends across the access opening and is disposed radially inwardly of the outside surface of the skirt section to prevent entry of the tool into the interior of the closure in the vicinity of the spray valve and actuator. The closure is removed from the spray can as by inserting the end of a tool in the tool access opening and thereafter lifting a portion of the closure from the can.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 716,545 filed Mar. 27, 1968, and now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to closures and more particularly to a tamper-proof closure or safety closure adapted to be applied to the top of a pressurized spray can of the type commonly employed for spraying various substances including paints, insecticides, cleaning materials, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and the like. As used herein, the term spray can is intended to be generic to dispensing containers of the type wherein the contents are dispensed through a valve by means of a pressurizing agent such as carbon dioxide, fluorocarbons, hydrocarbons and the like. A common type of container utilizing a pressurizing agent as the propellant is the aerosol can wherein the dispensed material expelled from the can is a mixture of material and propellant. This invention is also directed to the dispensing container of the type wherein the dispensed material is forced from the can by the pressurizing agent without interaction of the pressurizing agent and the dispensed material. This invention, therefore, is broadly applicable to dispensing containers of the spray or aerosol type.

Typically, pressurized spray cans are provided with a manually operable spray valve projecting endwise from the top of the can along the can axis. In order to prevent accidental discharge of the can, it is a common practice to provide a closure for the can which comprises an element which frictionally or otherwise co-engages with the can. Closures of the prior art have taken two different forms: the overcap and undercap designs.

The overcap design fastens to an external circumferential portion of the can and is of a diameter approximating the can diameter. Thus, the overcap type of closure is a highly visible part of the total can-closure package.

3,514,01 l Patented May 26, 1970 The undercap design is adapted to be received within the mounting cup of the valve assembly adjacent the bead defined in the dome of the can.

Can closures of either design, however, may be readily subject to removal and misuse of the contents of the can. An easily removable closure also leads to frequent testing or sampling of spray cans in the store prior to purchase. This testing or sampling may result in damage to the retailers property as well as a considerable loss of contents of the can prior to the purchase thereof by another customer.

Many attempts have been made in the prior art to render spray can closure members of either the overcap or undercap design tamper-proof. The general intent of the prior art tamper-proof closures has been to provide a closure that is somewhat difiicult to remove. Prior art overcap closures of the tamper-proof design have included various locking mechanisms adapted to be disengaged as by rotation of the closure or insertion 'of a tool. Tamperproof undercap closures of the prior art have used interconnecting frangible means adapted to be broken as by twisting, tearing, or pressing of the closure.

This invention provides a tamper-proof closure of the undercap design for use with a spray can and wherein the closure is provided with a tool receiving access opening for easy removal of the closure from the can.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Briefly described, the tamper-proof closure of this invention comprises a tubular valve covering body section with an integral end wall. A tubular skirt section of substantially less height than the body section is interconnected with the body section by means of a radial shoulder. The external diameter of the skirt section of the closure is somewhat greater than the internal diameter at the edge of the recess of the valve mounting cup. The skirt section is adapted to be received within the recess of a valve mounting cup. Holding means are provided at the external surface of the skirt section for retaining the closure 'on the spray can. A tool access opening is defined in the skirt section of the closure and is so dimensioned as to extend at least slightly above the top of the spray can with the closure in place on the spray can. A retaining wall extends across the access opening and is disposed radially inwardly of the outside surface of the skirt section whereby a tool end may be disposed within the access opening to remove the closure from the spray can with the retaining wall preventing entry of the tool into the interior of the closure in the vicinity of the valve of the spray can.

THE INVENTION DESCRIBED The preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded elevational view of a spray can and a tamper-proof closure according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the tamper-proof closure according to the present invention as positioned in place on a spray can;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2 and showing the removing of the tamper-proof closure according to the present invention by a tool;

FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of a tamper-proof closure according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a top elevational view of the tamper-proof closure according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an exploded elevational view of a spray can and a modified tamper-proof closure according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an end elevational view of the modified tamper-proof closure of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the modified tamperproof closure as positioned in place on a spray can.

Referring particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a spray can 10 having a cylindrical upright body 12. A domed top 14 is secured to the upper end of the can by means of an annular rim 16. A cup member 18 including a valve 20 is crimped into the domed top at a circumferentially extended bead 22. As shown more clearly in FIG. 2, the cu member 18 is defined by a bottom wall 24, an inside wa 26 and an outside wall 28. A generally annular groove 30 is defined in the outside wall 28 and cooperates with the tamper-proof closure 32 of this invention in a manner to be described more fully hereafter.

The valve 20 as mounted on the cup member '18 in-' cludes a valve actuator 34 having a dispensing opening 36. It is to be understood that with the tamper-proof closure 32 removed, the valve 20 is actuated as by depressing valve actuator 34 whereupon material will be dispensed through the opening 36. Although the dispensing container 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a pressurized container, the present invention is not limited to a tamperproof closure for a pressurized container but is equally suitable for use on non-pressurized containers.

Attention 'will now be directed to the tamper-proof closure 32 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the closure includes a tubular valve covering body section 38 with an integral end wall 40. A tubular skirt section 42 is provided at the lower portion of body section 38 and is of substantially less height than the body section 38 having an internal diameter somewhat greater than the external diameter of body section 38. A radial shoulder 44 interconnects the skirt section 42 with the body section 38. As is more clearly shown in FIG. the radial shoulder 44 is generally annular in shape extending circumferentially about the body section 38. It will also be observed from FIGS. 2 and 5 that the body section 38 and the skirt section 42 are coaxial.

Holding means are provided integral with the skirt section 42 for retaining the tamper-proof closure in a position shown in FIG. 2. In the embodiment of this invention of FIG. 2 said holding means comprises a snapin flange 46 defined on the exterior surface of the skirt section 42 which is adapted to be received within the groove 30 defined in the outside wall of the cup member 18. Thus, the cooperating snap-in flange 46 and groove 30 frictionally retain the tamper-proof closure 32 in the position shown in FIG. 2 thereby rendering more diflicult the removal of the tamper-proof closure 32 in the absence of a suitable tool.

In the embodiment of FIGS. l-S snap-in flange 46 extends substantially circumferentially about the skirt section 42 with but a single interruption at the tool access opening. In an alternate embodiment, as will be described below, the snap-in flange is continuous with no interruptions. Within the scope of this invention should also be considered snap-in flanges with multiple interruptions or skirt sections with multiple detent members.

It will be observed that the cup member 18 as defined by the bottom wall 24, inside wall 26, and outside wall 28 generally defines a recess in the domed top 14 of the can inasmuch as the bottom wall 24 is disposed substantially below the bead 22. It is in this recess defined by the walls 24, 26, 28 that the tamper-proof closure 32 of this invention is adapted to be received and frictionally retained against inadvertent displacement. To aid in the removal of the closure of this invention, a tool access opening 48 is defined in the skirt section 42. As shown more clearly in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the tool access opening 48 is generally rectangular in shape and extends inwardly into the skirt section 42 a distance slightly exceeding the wall thickness of the skirt section 42. A retaining wall 50 extends across the access opening 48 and is positioned radially inwardly of the outside surface of the skirt section 42 in order to serve an abutment or blocking means against entry of a tool or other foreign material into the interior of the closure 32. As shown more clearly in FIG. 5, retaining wall 50 may be defined as a section of a chordal plane traversing the opening 48 and intersecting a pair of side walls 51. The retaining wall 50 is so dimensioned so as to lie within the orthogonal projection of the shoulder 44. Stated another way, the depth of the tool access opening 48 is not so great as to have the retaining wall 50 positioned within the outline of the body section 38 to thus possibly interfere with valve 20 during removal of the closure 32. As shown in FIG. 2, the center portion of retaining wall 50 as shown in section is in approximate alignment with the wall of body section 38 immediately above.

It will be observed from FIG. 2 that the tool access opening 48 extends from the bottommost portion of the skirt section 42 to a position slightly above the bead 22 thereby to enable a tool to be inserted into the access opening 48. A tool engaging shoulder 54 is defined adjacent shoulder 44. As shown in FIG. 3, the tamper-proof closure 32 of this invention may be removed from the spray can as by the insertion of the end 52 of a screwdriver or other tool into the access opening 48 with subsequent engagement of the tool with shoulder 54 to produce a tilting or cocking of the closure 32 within the recess defined by the walls 24, 26, and 28. With a substantial portion of the snap-in flange 46 thus removed from the groove 30, the closure 32 may be readily removed from the can. Replacement of the closure 32 on the can simply requires a coaxial alignment of the closure and the can as shown more clearly in FIG. 1 with subsequent snapin engagement of the respective members. 1 As shown in FIG. 3, the position of the bead 22 with respect to the access opening 48 is such that the tool end 52 may be pivoted or rotated on the bead 22 in order to secure mechanical advantage in tilting or cocking the closure 32 into the position of FIG. 3. While it is not necessary that the bead 22, or indeed any portion of the can, act as a pivot point or fulcrum for the tool end, the relationship of the bead 22 to the access opening 48 is such that, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the tamper-proof closure 32 may be quickly and efiortlessly removed.

The retaining wall 50 acts to prevent both the entry of the tool into the interior of the closure in the vicinity of the valve 20 and the entry of dust, dirt, and other foreign material into the vicinity of the valve. There is no danger of the screwdriver or other tool accidentally touching the valve 20 at the time the closure is removed. The undercap closure of this invention is thus to be contrasted from prior art overcap closures such as shown in Pat. No. 3,322,298 wherein a screwdriver or other tool may inadvertently be used to damage the dome, or spray valve, or to dislodge the cup member creating a leak or discharge.

The access opening 48 as shown in the preferred embodiment is a generally rectangular opening having a depth slightly exceeding the wall thickness of the skirt section 42. Access opening 48 extends slightly above the bead 22. In alternate embodiments, access openings defining various shapes and having various sizes may be used depending upon the particular dispensing containers utilized. Similarly, the thickness of the tool shoulder 54 may vary depending upon the height of the opening with respect to the head 22.

An alternate embodiment of the tamper-proof closure of this invention is shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8. For ease of description similar reference characters will be used todescribe elements previously noted in FIGS. 1-5.

Thus, there is shown in FIG. 6 a spray can 10 having a cylindrical upright body 12 with a domed top 14 secured to the upper end of the can by means of an annular rim 16. Cup member 18 including a valve 20 is crimped into the domed top by a circumferentially extended head 22.

The modified tamper-proof closure 32' as shown in FIG. 6 includes a tubular valve covering body section 38 with an integral end wall 40. A tubular skirt section 42 is provided at the lower portion of body section 38 and is of less height than the body section 38 having an internal diameter somewhat greater than the external diameter of body section 38. A radial shoulder 44 interconnects the skirt section 42 with the body section 38.

A continuous snap-in flange 46' is defined on the external surface of the skirt section 42 and is adapted to be received within the groove 30 defined in the outside wall of the cup member 18. Unlike the snap-in flange 46 of FIG. 1, however, flange 46' of FIG. 6 extends completely around the skirt section 42' thus to define a continuous annular flange. Similarly, the bottom portion of skirt section 42 (i.e. that portion of skirt section 42' disposed below snap-in flange 46) is continuous and is not interrupted by the tool access opening as is the skirt section 42 of FIG. 1.

As is shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the modified tamperproof closure 32' of this invention includes a tool access opening 48' defined in the skirt section 42 extending upwardly from the snap-in flange 46 a distance sulficient to permit the shoulder 54 to be positioned slightly above the bead 22 (with the closure in place) thereby to enable a tool to be inserted into the access opening 48'.

It should be understood that the cooperating snap-in flange 46' and groove 30 of FIG. 6 frictionally retain the tamper-proof closure 32 (as shown in FIG. 8) in a position similar to that shown in FIG. 2 thereby rendering more difiicult the removal of the tamper-proof closure 32 in the absence of a suitable tool.

A retaining wall 50' acts to prevent both the entry of the tool into the interior of the closure in the vicinity of the valve and the entry of dust, dirt and other foreign material into the vicinity of the valve in a manner similar to retaining wall 50 of FIG. 1. Unlike retaining wall 50 of FIG. 1, however, retaining wall 50' of FIG. 8 does not extend downwardly to the bottommost portion of the skirt section 42' but rather terminates at a shoulder 58 adjacent snap-in flange 46'.

The modified form of the tamper-proof closure of FIGS. 6, 7 and '8 is thus to be distinguished from the tamperproof closure of FIGS. 1-5 principally with respect to the height of the tool access opening. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 the tool access opening 48 extends from the bottommost portion of the skirt section 42 to a position slightly above the head 22. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the tool access opening 48' extends from the snap-in flange 46' to a position slightly above the bead 22.

Since the snap-in flange 46' and the portion 60 (FIG. 8) of skirt section 42' lying below flange 46' are continuous and not interrupted by the tool access opening, the embodiment of FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 provides slightly superior sealing characteristics than does the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 wherein the snap-in flange 46 and the skirt section disposed below the snap-in flange are interrupted by the tool access opening.

As may be seen from FIG. 8, the portion 60 of skirt section 42 lying below flange 46 is provided with a beveled outer edge 62 which contacts outside wall 28 of cup member 18 in order to provide a continuous annular seal. With the outside wall 28 defined as a frusto-conical surface as is shown in FIG. 8, there is a wedging engagement of the portion 60 of skirt section 42' with outside wall 28 as closure 32' is pressed into place (with snap-in flange 46' received within groove 30).

As shown in FIG. 8, a slight clearance 64 is provided between the bottom Wall 24 and the closure 32'. Within the scope of this invention should also be considered a closure member which contacts the bottom wall 24 when positioned in place.

In the preferred embodiment, the closure of this invention is made of polyethylene plastic. Other materials well known to those skilled in the art may similarly be used.

The closure of this invention provides several distinct advantages heretofore unknown to closures of the prior art.

The closure of this invention cannot be removed in stores without the use of a tool. Thus, the troublesome problem experienced by store managers of in-store spraying by potential customers is eliminated.

Since the closure of this invention is relatively small and covers only the valve structure of the spray can, this invention may be used in combination with a conventional overcap where it is desirable to completely enclose the entire end portion of the spray can. With the closure of this invention in place, a potential customer may remove the overcap of the can to make sure that the can is equipped with a spray button if he so desires. The closure of this invention will prohibit the customer from actuating the button while in the store.

Where the closure of this invention is provided on automobile paint touch-up spray cans, the customer may take the lid or overcap of the can out to his automobile to compare colors. The closure of this invention remains in place during the color comparison by the customer insuring that the customer will not otherwise actuate the can and remove some of the contents thereof.

The closure of this invention can be removed from the can without danger of puncturing the can or damaging the spray button or valve assembly.

The closure of this invention seals the spray head against dirt and moisture.

Since the closure of this invention prohibits in-store spraying, a full measure is assured to each customer at each sale. Furthermore, the closure of this invention prevents preclogged nozzles resulting from customer tampering in the store.

The stepped design of the closure itself, wherein radial shoulder interconnects the valve covering body section and the skirt section of the closure, permits the closure to be machine installed on the spray can during filling and packaging of the can.

While the present invention has been disclosed with a specific arrangement and disposition of parts, it should be expressly understood that numerous modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:

1. A tamper-proof closure for spray cans having a manually operable spray valve projecting from the top of the can, an annular recess surrounding the valve defined by a bottom wall and an inside and outside wall, a groove defined in the outside wall, and a circumferentially extended bead surrounding the recess adjacent the outside wall, said closure comprising:

a tubular valve covering body section with a integral end Wall;

a tubular skirt section having an internal diameter somewhat greater than the external diameter of said body section;

a generally radial shoulder interconnecting said body and skirt sections;

said skirt section adapted to be received within the recess of such spray can;

holding means integral with said skirt section for retaining said closure on such spray can;

a tool access opening in said skirt section comprising a recess extending into said skirt section, said recess being dimensioned to provide a space for entry of a prying tool into said recess from above the head of such spray can with the closure in place on such spray can;

means in said recess against which a prying tool is adapted to bear;

a retaining wall extending across said recess and inwardly of the outside surface of said skirt section;

whereby a tool end may be disposed within said recess to remove said closure from such spray can.

2. The closure of claim 1 wherein said holding means is defined as a snap-in flange on the exterior surface of said skirt section adapted to be received within the groove defined in the outside wall defining the spray can recess.

3. The closure of claim 2 wherein said tool access opening is definedas a rectangular recess projecting into said skirt section extending from said snap-in flange to a point adjacent said radial shoulder.

4. The closure of claim 1 wherein said tool access opening is defined as a rectangular recess projecting into said skirt section extendingfrom the bottom-most end of said skirt section to a point adjacent said radial shoulder.

5. The closure of claim 1 wherein said tool access opening extends above the bead of such spray can a distance such that the bead may function as a fulcrum for a tool end.

6. A tamper-proof closure for enclosing the valve structure of a dispensing container and adapted to be held in position thereon by the engagement of an external circumferential snap-in flange of the closure with an annular wall defining a recess around the container valve, wherein the, closure comprises a tubular skirt section having a continuous external circumferential snap-in flange formed at its lower edge;

a coaxial tubular valve covering body section;

a generally radial shoulder interconnecting said skirt and bodysections;

a tool access opening comprising a recess extending into said skirt section, said recess being dimensioned to provide a space for entry of a prying tool into said recess from above the uppermost portion of such container with the closure in place;

means in the upper portion of said recess against which a prying tool is adapted to bear;

a retaining wall extending across said recess and radially inwardly of the outside surface of said skirt section;

whereby a tool end may be disposed within said recess to remove said closure from such spray can.

7. A tamper-proof closure for spray cans having a manually operable spray valve projecting from the top of the can, an annular recess surrounding the valve defined by a bottom wall, an inside wall and an outside wall, the outside wall being slightly frusto-conic-al in shape and including a groove, and a circumferentially extended bead surrounding the recess adjacent the outside wall, said closure comprising:

a tubular valve covering body section with an integral wal ' a tubular skirt section of less height than said body section and having an internal diameter somewhat greater than the external diameter of said bod-y section;

a radial shoulder interconnecting said body and skirt section;

said skirt section adapted to be received within the recess of said spray can;

a snap-in flange integral with said skirt section for retaining said closure on such spray cans;

the portion of said skirt section below said flange including a beveled outer edge to sealingly engage said outside wall with said flange disposed within said groove;

a tool access opening extending from said flange to a point adjacent said shoulder and so dimensioned as to extend at least slightly above the bead of such spray can with the closure in place on such spray can;

a retaining wall extending across said access opening and radially inwardly of the outside surface of said skirt section;

said retaining wall being defined by a section of a chordal plane traversing said opening;

whereby a tool end may be disposed within said access opening to remove said closure from such spray can;

said retaining wall preventing entry of the tool into the valve area of such spray can.

8. The closure of claim 3 wherein said retaining wall is defined by a section of a chordal plane traversing said recess.

9. The closure of claim 1 in which at least a portion of said retaining wall is defined as an extension of said body section into said skirt section.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 

